Jewish Federation appoints new executive director

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Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein has been appointed the executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County.

NEWBURGH — The Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County has appointed Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein as its new executive director.

Rubenstein, who was ordained from the Jewish Theological Seminary last May, has been working at the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County since August 2017 as the PJ Library Coordinator and Director of Education and Engagement.

As executive director, Rubenstein will continue her work on the PJ Library program, a program that engages families raising Jewish children with free children’s books and programming, and on broader educational initiatives within the county.

In addition, she will oversee the Zachor Anti-Semitism Initiative, which seeks to fight and prevent anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry and hatred in Orange County through education, public awareness and community organizing.

Finally, as executive director, Rubenstein will be the face and the voice of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County as it moves forward with its 2019 campaign and it mission to build and nurture Jewish life in Orange County.

“The Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County does incredibly important and impactful work,” Rubenstein said in the press release announcing her selection. “The work that I am doing with the Jewish Federation to build and support a vibrant Jewish community here in Orange County is close to my heart - this is my community.”

Carla Wise, president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County commented: “We know that we are incredibly fortunate to have Rachel as our new executive director. Rachel brings with her a wealth of new ideas and her wonderful, innovative and creative thinking. Rachel came on board, promptly seized the initiative and is moving federation forward. We welcome Rachel with open arms.”